"My strength already surpasses that of an average Jonin—I assure you. I just haven't completed enough missions for promotion yet."
Fugaku Uchiha calmly explained himself in response to Heiyan's doubts instead of getting angry.
To convince Heiyan, he specifically revealed his double-tomoe Sharingan eyes.
At just fourteen years old, he had already awakened the double-tomoe Sharingan and was highly skilled in all three areas—Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu—surpassing even someone like Uchiha Youji. Within the clan, he held the title of "Number One Prodigy."
The police force took this mission seriously, which is why they specifically assigned him to it. They hoped he could build a good relationship with this wealthy young master, who was around the same age.
Fugaku had no interest in wasting time on such a dull task, but for the sake of the Uchiha clan, he was willing to make the necessary sacrifices.
"I see. Then I'll be counting on you from now on."
Heiyan nodded.
His previous question had been intentional—to test whether this person was like other Uchiha who would easily fly into a rage.
As it turned out, Fugaku Uchiha indeed possessed great composure, living up to his reputation as someone willing to sacrifice himself for his son.
"Merely a ninja's duty."
Fugaku replied indifferently.
Ten minutes later.
Heiyan left home, circling around Leaf Village, first jogging fifteen laps, then sprinting five more at full speed. After twenty laps total, he was drenched in sweat and felt exhilarated.
Throughout this process, Fugaku closely followed behind Heiyan. Though he appeared to be walking leisurely, no matter how fast or slow Heiyan moved, Fugaku skillfully utilized the Body Flicker Technique to maintain a safe distance of over ten meters.
As a bodyguard, Fugaku demonstrated remarkable professionalism.
After finishing his run, Heiyan returned home and immediately dove into intense training.
Russian-style push-ups, one-armed pull-ups, single-leg squats... Each exercise Heiyan performed grew increasingly difficult.
Observing this, Fugaku finally showed visible admiration.
He'd heard Heiyan had bought his way into being a Genin, so he assumed he was just another spoiled brat with no real discipline. But seeing how hardworking Heiyan truly was surprised him deeply.
Thus passed a fulfilling day of exercise for Heiyan.
After completing his first day as a bodyguard, Fugaku found no sign of threats around Heiyan. Without further inquiry, he retired to the guest room.
Time flew swiftly.
Before long, a week had passed.
Now, ever since awakening Sage Transformation half a month ago and undergoing intensive training and dietary adjustments, Heiyan's physical condition had completely changed.
"Hmm, your health is excellent, full of vitality. Now *that's* what a young man should be like."
In the medical room, Tsunade re-examined Heiyan's physique and praised him repeatedly.
"Thanks to your incredible Medical Ninjutsu skills over the past three years, I was practically resurrected from near death."
After saying this, Heiyan also presented Tsunade with a small gift—a bottle of high-value, rare, and expensive wine.
Tsunade didn't hesitate at all. She accepted it openly, then stared at Heiyan and murmured,
"Just like him… uncannily similar."
"Like who?" Heiyan asked curiously.
"The Second Hokage when he was young." Tsunade spoke firmly, a nostalgic expression appearing on her beautiful face.
Previously, Heiyan had once been extremely skinny, appearing almost like an aged old man.
Now that he'd regained his health, his face had visibly rejuvenated, and his features had become more distinct, slowly unveiling his true appearance.
Heiyan's looks weren't of the traditional "golden boy" type that easily wins people's hearts. However, between his eyebrows lay a calmness and seriousness. Combined with his short white hair, he bore a striking resemblance—seven or eight parts—to the young Hashirama Senju.
"Heiyan, keep it up! I hope you can become a great ninja like the Second Hokage someday!"
Tsunade patted Heiyan's shoulder and cheered for him enthusiastically, knowing how deeply he had always yearned to become a ninja.
Actually, my inner goal isn't Tobirama Senju—it's Hashirama Senju…
Heiyan quietly thought within himself.
After seeing Tsunade off, Heiyan casually went to check on the stores, then spontaneously gave himself half the day off, strolling around Konoha village happily until returning home late at night.
But there was one person who felt quite unhappy—
That was Fugaku Uchiha.
He'd already served as Heiyan's personal bodyguard for a full week, yet nothing had happened, which gradually made him impatient and unwilling to waste time like this anymore.
However, just when Fugaku was about to lose his patience—"business"—finally came knocking.
While approaching the alley near Heiyan's doorstep, he got ambushed by a group of ronin samurais and down-on-their-luck ninjas.
These people carried weapons, each with a fierce and terrifying look on their faces, clearly having lain in wait for quite some time.
Their leader was a scar-faced ninja. He stared at Heiyan with ill intentions, as if eyeing a helpless fat sheep ready to be slaughtered.
"Pay us ten million ryo a month as protection money, and I'll let you live. Otherwise, I'll tear you limb from limb and toss what's left to the dogs!"
The scar-faced guy issued threats.
"Fugaku, I leave this to you."
Heiyan left only this sentence before pushing open the gate and swiftly dashing into the courtyard.
Just another cowardly, weakling kind of person.
Fugaku glanced at Heiyan's back and shook his head. This rich kid had never seen the bloodshed or harsh truths of the ninja world—facing even a minor threat like this left him terrified.
Then, he turned his head around and swept the area with cold eyes before sighing, saying,
"A total waste of my week. I thought there'd be real trouble, but it's just a bunch of sad clowns. Pathetic."
"Watch it, Uchiha brat! Don't get too high and mighty!"
Hearing this, the scar-faced guy and others angrily roared and rushed forward together, starting a group brawl.
Clang, clang, clang!
Instantly, the alley echoed with sounds of weapon clashes along with cries of pain.
Thud, thud, thud!
Heiyan slowly ascended step by step toward the second floor.
The danger had not yet passed.
Because he had sensed a chakra presence in the alley earlier and now realized someone was hiding inside his house.
The group outside was merely a distraction to lure away Fugaku Uchiha.
Realizing the ploy, Heiyan decided to play along. After separating from Fugaku, he returned home alone, curious about the mysterious visitor's true intentions.
Sure enough—
Creak!
As soon as he pushed open the door, Heiyan spotted a thin ninja hunched over on the sofa, idly flipping a kunai that glinted with cold light.
"The Uchiha brat got held up pretty well," the man said with a grin.
Looking at Heiyan amusedly, he continued calmly, "Now we can get properly acquainted, right, Heiyan? Or should I say... Uzumaki Heiyan?"
"Who are you?"
Heiyan remained expressionless, showing no sign of panic.
Although the stranger had revealed his identity, it didn't surprise him. He knew that if someone was after his inheritance, a little investigation would easily uncover his Uzumaki heritage.
"My name is Tsubota. I specialize in assassination—I once killed a Jonin from Uzugakure. So forget about that Uchiha Chunin kid; he's no match for me."
Tsubota casually twirled the kunai in his hand as he issued his threat. "My boss has something you want. We'd like to strike a deal."
"Who is your boss?"
"You'll find out soon enough—just come with me."
"What if I say no?" Heiyan asked coolly.
"You don't get a say."
Sighing, Tsubota stood up, getting ready to move in.
I'll deal with this Tsubota first and find out who's pulling the strings behind the scenes.
This was Heiyan's silent resolution.
However, just as both sides prepared for conflict—
Deng deng deng!
A sudden burst of hurried footsteps echoed from the staircase.
"Tch, I really wanted to avoid trouble with the Uchiha clan, but that brat sure dealt with my men fast."
Frowning, Tsubota bared a cruel smile. "Guess I'll have to kill him first before dragging you away."
Bang!
Just then, Fugaku Uchiha kicked the door wide open, his Sharingan instantly locking onto Tsubota.
"Hmph!"
With a sharp shout, Tsubota formed a hand seal. In an instant, explosive tags hidden near the door detonated with a thunderous BOOM.
The next instant.
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